Finally consumers will also have a say in whether organised retail is good for them or not? Indian Council for Research in International Economic Relations (Icrier), which is conducting a study on the impact of organised retailing on the unorganised sector, has decided that it will interview consumers buying from push cart vendors and fixed fruit and vegetable shops as well at organised retail outlets and kirana stores. The same has been felt necessary for getting robust results.
Analysts point that taking the consumer view into the survey would make it more comprehensive since consumers are going to give a completely unbiased response based on sheer experience of the two sides in question. Also consumers are the biggest stakeholders in the retail trade.
Icrier, which initially had to submit its study by August was allotted more time as it wanted to increase the gamut of the study by including more interviews and surveys.
Icrier has so far found that traditional retailers woul not like to change their means of livelihood even if big, organised retail chains dent their profit margins. Therefore, the economic think tank body is now also studying ways and means to provide cheaper institutional credit to small retailers so that they get a level-playing field vis-a-vis the big groups. Even bankers feel there are many amongst them who understand the importance of micro-finance and are ready to play the role of financial counsellor to these small stores.
The study has already completed the survey of traditional retailers in the vicinity of modern retailers, but is now also studying the impact of modern retail on those retailers, which aren?t going to be located in the vicinity of modern retailers. Meanwhile, as reported by FE, the government is looking at various models of implementing retail laws in the country. It is closely studying the laws implemented by other developing countries such as Malaysia, which divides big retail stores and small ones in different zones of the city. Another option being contemplated is having national retail laws, which will be applicable for retailers having a pan-India presence.